What is TOPIK II
TOPIK II is the intermediate-advanced tier of the Test of Proficiency in Korean, covering levels 3 through 6 (approximately B1 to C2 on the CEFR scale). Unlike TOPIK I, which is designed for beginners, TOPIK II assesses your ability to use Korean in academic and professional settings: understanding lectures, reading newspaper articles, and — most importantly — producing written texts in Korean.
The exam consists of three sections: Listening (듣기), Writing (쓰기), and Reading (읽기). The total duration is 180 minutes with a maximum score of 300 points. The presence of the writing section is what makes TOPIK II fundamentally different from TOPIK I, where all questions are multiple choice. On TOPIK II, you will write essays by hand, and this section most often determines the difference between levels.
TOPIK II is the exam required for admission to Korean universities, obtaining work and immigration visas, and employment at Korean companies. For a broader overview of the exam, including registration and scheduling, see our complete TOPIK exam guide.
TOPIK II Exam Structure
The TOPIK II exam is administered in two sessions with a break in between. The first session covers listening and writing, the second covers reading. All listening and reading questions are multiple choice with four options. The writing section requires extended written responses.
| Session | Section | Questions | Duration | Max Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Session 1 (110 min) | Listening (듣기) | 50 | 60 min | 100 |
| Writing (쓰기) | 4 | 50 min | 100 | |
| Break | 30 min | |||
| Session 2 (70 min) | Reading (읽기) | 50 | 70 min | 100 |
| Total | 104 | 180 min | 300 | |
The listening section starts with relatively straightforward dialogues and progressively moves to complex monologues: lectures, interviews, news reports, and panel discussions. Each recording is played only once — you cannot go back to replay a missed segment. Questions test not only factual comprehension but also the ability to draw inferences, identify the speaker's intention, and determine their attitude toward the topic.
The reading section includes texts of varying difficulty: from announcements and business letters to popular science articles, newspaper columns, and excerpts from literary fiction. The final 10-15 questions are aimed at Level 5-6 candidates and feature abstract vocabulary, complex grammatical structures, and socio-political subject matter.
Writing Section (쓰기) — The Defining Challenge of TOPIK II
The writing section is the unique feature of TOPIK II and the most challenging part of the exam. While listening and reading test receptive skills, writing evaluates your ability to produce text in Korean. The section consists of four tasks of increasing difficulty:
Question 51: Practical Text with Blanks (10 points)
You are given a short practical text — an announcement, invitation, or application — with two blanks. You must fill in contextually appropriate phrases. This task tests command of functional vocabulary and set expressions. It is the most accessible writing task, and most test-takers score 6-10 out of 10 points.
Question 52: Expository Text with Blanks (10 points)
A similar format, but the text is explanatory or descriptive in nature — an article, instructions, or a popular science excerpt. The missing segments are longer and require more complex grammatical constructions. The key here is accurately matching the style and logic of the surrounding text.
Question 53: Graph or Chart Description (30 points, 200-300 characters)
You are presented with a graph, table, or chart showing data — for example, survey results, statistics, or a trend over time. You must write a coherent passage describing the data: key figures, trends, and comparisons. Scoring criteria include accuracy of data representation, logical coherence, appropriate use of connective expressions, and grammatical correctness.
Question 54: Argumentative Essay (50 points, 600-700 characters)
The most heavily weighted and challenging task. You are given a topic — typically a social issue or debatable question — and must write a structured essay with a clear thesis, supporting arguments, and a conclusion. Sample topics include: "Should the government regulate the internet?", "The impact of technology on education", "The pros and cons of globalization".
All writing tasks are graded by two independent human experts with the assistance of an AI evaluation system. A mandatory requirement is the use of the formal style 합쇼체 (-(스)ㅂ니다 / -(스)ㅂ니까). Using the informal polite style 해요체 will lower your score. For detailed information on scoring criteria, templates for each task, and writing strategies, see our TOPIK Writing Section guide.
Practice writing essays with AI feedback — in TopikLab, you can write compositions in the TOPIK format and receive instant feedback scored against the actual exam criteria.
Passing Scores by Level
TOPIK II awards one of four levels — from Level 3 to Level 6. Your level is determined by the total score across all three sections. There are no minimum thresholds per section: a weak result in one area can be offset by a strong result in another. For a deeper look at the scoring system, see our TOPIK Levels and Scoring guide.
| Level | Passing Score | CEFR | What It Unlocks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 3 (3급) | 120+ / 300 | ≈ B1 | University admission (undergraduate), KGSP scholarship |
| Level 4 (4급) | 150+ / 300 | ≈ B2 | Graduate school, E-series work visa, employment |
| Level 5 (5급) | 190+ / 300 | ≈ C1 | F-5 visa, SKY universities, interpreter positions |
| Level 6 (6급) | 230+ / 300 | ≈ C2 | Highest level, near-native proficiency |
Level 3 (120 points) is the threshold level for most practical purposes. It qualifies you to apply for undergraduate programs at most Korean universities and for the KGSP government scholarship. At this level, you can understand everyday conversations, read adapted texts, and maintain simple written correspondence.
Level 4 (150 points) represents professional-level proficiency. It is the standard requirement for graduate school, E-series work visas, and employment at Korean companies. You can confidently read newspapers, understand news broadcasts, write business letters, and negotiate in Korean.
Level 5 (190 points) indicates fluent command of the language. It is required for the F-5 permanent residency visa under several categories, for admission to prestigious SKY universities (Seoul National, Korea, Yonsei), and for positions as an interpreter or instructor. At this level, you can present in front of an audience, write analytical texts, and understand literary fiction.
Level 6 (230 points) is the highest level, certifying near-native proficiency in Korean. It provides additional points for the F-2 points-based visa and is required for certain government positions. Approximately 5-8% of TOPIK II test-takers achieve this level.
How to Prepare for TOPIK II
The preparation timeline for TOPIK II depends on your current level and target score. As a rough guide: from the start of Korean studies to Level 3 takes 12-18 months, to Level 4 takes 18-24 months, and to Level 5-6 takes 24-36 months. If you have already taken TOPIK, moving up one level typically requires 3-6 months of focused preparation.
Strategy for Levels 3-4
At these levels, listening and reading are the key score drivers — these sections contribute the bulk of your points. Focus on expanding your vocabulary to 3,000-5,000 words, including intermediate-advanced grammar patterns (연결어미, 보조동사, 간접화법). Train your reading speed: on the exam, you have roughly 1.5 minutes per reading question.
For listening, regularly consume Korean podcasts, KBS news, and study materials at the 중급 (intermediate) level. It is essential to get accustomed to native-speaker speech tempo — recordings on the exam are played only once. For writing at the Level 3-4 range, it is enough to master the basic structures of Questions 51-52 and learn to describe graphs for Question 53.
Strategy for Levels 5-6
At the highest levels, listening and reading are usually already strong enough, and the writing section becomes the decisive factor. Practice argumentative essays (Question 54) weekly: choose a topic, write within 40-50 minutes, and analyze the result. Always use the formal 합쇼체 style and maintain a clear logical structure: introduction (thesis) → body (2-3 arguments) → conclusion.
Expand your vocabulary with abstract terms, Hanja-derived words, and academic expressions. Read newspaper opinion pieces, popular science articles, and socio-political materials. For listening, watch TED lectures in Korean and discussion-format TV programs.
General Recommendations
Always work through real past exams under timed conditions — this is the only way to adapt to the time pressure. Past exams are published on the official TOPIK website. Check the upcoming exam schedule and build a preparation plan based on the time remaining.
Prepare for TOPIK II with an AI assistant — in TopikLab, you get AI-powered writing evaluation, practice tests for listening and reading, and personalized preparation recommendations.
TOPIK I vs TOPIK II: What is the Difference
TOPIK I and TOPIK II are two separate exam tiers taken independently. You cannot switch from one to the other during the same session — you must choose when registering. Here are the key differences:
| TOPIK I | TOPIK II | |
|---|---|---|
| Levels | 1-2 (A1-A2) | 3-6 (B1-C2) |
| Sections | 2 (Listening + Reading) | 3 (Listening + Writing + Reading) |
| Writing Section | No | Yes (4 tasks, including essays) |
| Duration | 100 minutes | 180 minutes |
| Max Score | 200 | 300 |
| Number of Questions | 70 | 104 |
| Answer Format | Multiple choice only | Multiple choice + extended written responses |
If your Korean is not yet strong enough for TOPIK II (vocabulary under 2,000 words, difficulty understanding spoken Korean at natural speed), start with TOPIK I. If you can confidently read Korean texts, understand news segments, and write at least a simple coherent passage, choose TOPIK II. Some test-takers register for both tiers at once: TOPIK I is held in the morning and TOPIK II in the afternoon of the same day.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I get Level 2 on TOPIK II?
- No, the minimum level on TOPIK II is Level 3 (120 out of 300 points). If you score below 120, no certificate is issued. Levels 1 and 2 can only be obtained through TOPIK I. If you are unsure about your level, you can register for both exams — TOPIK I is held in the morning and TOPIK II in the afternoon.
- What TOPIK level do I need to work in Korea?
- E-series work visas (E-1 through E-7) typically require TOPIK Level 4 (150 points) or higher. Exact requirements depend on the visa type and employer. Many Korean companies list Level 4 as the minimum requirement when hiring foreign employees.
- How important is the writing section on TOPIK II?
- The writing section (쓰기) is often the deciding factor in determining your level. At higher levels (5 and 6), most test-takers score similarly on listening and reading — it is the writing score that determines the final level. Without dedicated writing preparation, achieving Level 5 or 6 is extremely difficult.
- How many times can I retake TOPIK II?
- There is no limit on retakes — you can take TOPIK II at every session (6 times per year in Korea, 2-4 times abroad). A new result does not cancel your previous certificate. Each certificate is valid for 2 years from the date results are announced.